A COLLEGE headteacher spoke of her pride – and sorrow – at this year’s Oakhill College awards night.

Carmel Riley, principal at Oakhill College, thanked everyone for their hard work during their academic studies, and for their support following the loss of her 24-year-old daughter Ellen to cancer in July.

Speaking to guests at the annual prize night at the Wiswell Lane school in Whalley, she said: “I am particularly pleased to welcome our returning pupils because I have not yet had the chance to say goodbye or congratulations to all of you.

“I want to thank you for being so understanding and supp-ortive.

“And I hope that that in itself was a reflection of how each of you have been supported when things were not going quite as well as they might have been during your time at Oakhill.

“You were a class of individuals who eventually came to terms with that fact and decided to make the most of it.

“I enjoyed watching you grow up and find your feet, which you all did so well. Had I been there at your celebration dinner I would have told you as individuals how proud I am of all of you.

“As I say every year there is a direct correlation between industry and attainment. Those pupils who work achieve very well. In terms of subjects I would also like to commend the overall value added excellence of results in Art, Maths, PE, RE, Spanish and Latin.”

She said the past Year 11 students had set an example to the school.

Prizewinners

  • Junior Mathematical Challenge bronze award – Daniel Riding.
  • Intermediate Mathematical Challenge bronze award –- Harry Isley, Cameron Rixson.
  • Cross Country Champions – Joshua Livesey and Laura Ratcliffe.
  • The McKiernan Cup for Service to the School – Rachel Paiton and Vincent Yiu.
  • The Pupils’ Cup for Commitment to the School – Luke Nolan.
  • The Finley Cup for Outstanding Contribution – Georgina Watson.
  • The Mahon Cup for Academic Achievement – Luke Nolan.
  • The Bradshaw Cup for Good General Progress – Jonathan Tebb.
  • Award for Service to the School as Head Girl – Georgina Watson.
  • Award for Service to the School as Head Boy – Luke Nolan.
  • The Anne Grogan Musical Theatre Award – Daniel Tattersall.
  • The Riki Crooke Memorial Shield for Special Achievement – Joshua Livesey.
  • The Taylor Cup for Achievement in Modern Languages – Luke Nolan.
  • Individual Sporting Achievement – Joshua Livesey and Laura Ratcliffe.